Prohibition PR is a multi-award-winning top 150 PR agency. We advise brands on how to use public relations, content marketing and social media effectively. With creativity, innovation and insight at the heart of everything we do, our aim is to deliver powerful strategies that help brands and businesses communicate more effectively both on and offline.

Operating out of the North of England for over a decade, our specialist integrated PR team has built a reputation for delivering highly successful, innovative PR campaigns that achieve maximum impact and results.

Prohibition PR

Social Media Trends in 2026

The way people search for information is changing rapidly. Instead of using traditional search engines like Google, more users are turning to tools such as ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini to get instant, conversational answers. These tools do not list links or reward keyword rankings. They summarise content and choose what to include based on clarity, structure, and credibility. This shift means that even well-optimised websites may no longer appear where they once did.

 

This session introduces marketers to the concept of Generative Engine Optimisation, or GEO. GEO is a way of improving a brand’s discoverability in AI-generated answers. It is not a replacement for SEO, but rather the next layer of visibility as consumer behaviour evolves. The session explains how AI tools generate answers, how content is selected, and what practical steps marketers can take to ensure their brand is included.

 

Attendees will see real examples showing how brands do or do not appear in AI responses. The session will cover what kind of content AI tools prioritise, how to structure brand information clearly, and how to support discoverability through trusted third-party sources. We will also introduce llms.txt, a new file type that helps businesses signal to AI which content can be used and crawled.

 

This is a practical, forward-looking session for marketers who want to protect and strengthen their brand presence as the digital landscape continues to evolve. Participants will leave with a simple checklist and an opportunity to request a visibility audit to better understand where their brand stands today.

This event is for in-house practitioners only - no agencies or freelancers please.


How to Make Your Brand Discoverable in a Post-SEO World

In today’s not for profit environment, you’re often tasked with delivering standout results yet your team and budget remain lean. This one-hour masterclass from Charity PR specialist Prohibition is exclusively designed for senior in-house charity communications and marketing leaders who need high-impact, low-cost tactics paired with crystal-clear measurement.

Join us to transform your resource constraints into your greatest strategic advantage.

**What You’ll Gain**

*   **Trustee-Ready Metrics:** Ditch vanity stats and learn to connect every activity to donations, awareness and behaviour change—using a ready-to-use dashboard template.
*   **Zero-Budget Creative Hacks:** Build a guerrilla PR and social media “newsroom” with free tools and user-generated content, so you can amplify reach without tapping a penny of paid media.
*   **Rapid-Response Confidence:** Equip your small team with easily adaptable crisis-prevention checklists and rapid-response templates—no dedicated crisis unit required.
*   **Peer-Tested Case Studies:** See exactly how two charities turned shoestring campaigns into double-digit uplifts in donor income, and walk away with the same playbooks.

**Why This Session Works**

*   **Laser-Focused Format:** One power-packed hour, no filler, no theory. Each segment challenges you to draft or refine an element of your own plan, on the spot.
*   **Exclusive Peer Network:** Capped at 30 in-house charity comms leads, no freelancers or agencies, so every conversation is with genuine budget-holders facing the same challenges.
*   **Immediate Next Steps:** Leave with personalised “Impact Blueprint” insights and clear pathways to deepen your strategy through a follow-on consultancy sprint with Prohibition PR.

**Who Should Register**

*   Heads of Communications, Marketing or Fundraising at UK and international charities
*   In-house teams of up to five people, looking to scale impact without scaling budgets
*   Anyone accountable to trustees for every pound, hour and campaign decision

Seats are strictly limited. Secure your place today to turn your resources into strategic success.


Impact on a Shoestring: Strategic PR Masterclass for Charity Comms Teams

The news media landscape is rapidly changing, and that means the skills required to deliver effective media interviews are also changing. One thing’s for sure, get it wrong at your peril; in today’s social media-first world, a seemingly innocuous misstep or lose comment can quickly ‘go viral’ creating a crisis in itself.

But while everything changes, everything stays the same, and this lively session will *also* recap on some of the essential media interview skills that are still very much relevant now and in the future.

Join our comprehensive media training masterclass designed exclusively for industry professionals like you.

What You'll Learn:

1\. Understanding the Evolving News Media Landscape: and what this means for interview scenarios

2\. Crafting Compelling Messages: How to control the narrative and cut through the noise

3\. Digital Media Strategies: Master the art of delivering your message effectively across online news, social media, podcasts, webinars, and virtual events.

4\. The must-dos of delivering effective virtual interviews

5\. Case Studies and Best Practices: Analyse the good, bad and the ugly of media interviews

6\. Journalist dirty tricks and curveballs – and how to avoid them

7\. How to prepare for an interview and land your key messages authentically

Why Attend?

*   Enhance Your Skill Set: Gain actionable insights and tools to improve your media interactions.
*   Stay Ahead of the Curve: Keep up with the latest trends and technologies shaping digital communications.
*   Boost Your Confidence: Build the assurance needed to deliver your messages effectively, regardless of the platform.
*   Network with Peers: Connect with other Communications and Marketing professionals facing similar challenges.

Who Should Attend? (sorry in-house only)

*   Marketing Managers
*   Communications Directors
*   Public Relations Professionals
*   Brand Strategists
*   Social Media Managers

Don't let your message get lost in the digital abyss.

Secure your spot now and transform the way you communicate in the digital landscape.

Spaces are limited to ensure an interactive and personalised experience. Reserve your place now to take advantage of this exclusive opportunity.


Media training masterclass: how to land your key messages in a digital-first world

Universities are at a pivotal moment: in just a few weeks the newest student cohort arrives with distinct values, digital fluency, and expectations for continuous dialogue with their institution.  

Now, more than ever, institutions must adopt a cohort centred social media approach that prioritises insight driven engagement, authentic representation, and purposeful dialogue. 

Get it right and you can supercharge undergrad engagement from Freshers to graduates and beyond, and fuel future recruitment through volunteer marketing and authentic word of mouth.   

This practical expert workshop will equip higher education marketers with the strategies and tactics to do this:  

*   **Get to know your Gen Z cohort:** Learn what drives your new students—understand interests, values and behaviours online 

 

*   **Map their journey:** Plot out engagement at every step from first click to capandgown, so you can meet them with the right message at the right time. 

 

*   **New platforms: **focus your efforts and look to the future when it comes to emerging social media platforms 

 

*   **Create standout content:** Approaches to crafting authentic stories, videos, and posts, including student voices 

 

*   **Turn students into ambassadors:** Empower real students to share their stories and build buzz for your campus 

 

*   **Leverage your thought leaders**: work with your academics to recruit the next cohort and connect with undergrads meaningfully  

…and a whole lot more! 

This event is ideal for Marketing, Communications, and Student Engagement professionals looking to revitalise their social media presence and connect meaningfully with the next generation of students. Come prepared to rethink your strategies, refine your message, and lead your institution’s online narrative.


Social Media Strategies for Universities: engaging the new student cohort

In today’s hyper-competitive B2B environment, simply having expertise in your field is no longer enough. To truly stand out, you must transcend the status of expert and establish yourself as a recognised authority. This exclusive event equips Communications and Marketing professionals with the advanced strategies required to build stronger brand credibility, influence industry dialogue, and attract a loyal audience of decision-makers.

Join us to learn how to transform your knowledge into a powerful platform for leadership, using proven frameworks to refine your messaging, activate your networks, and drive measurable results. Through insightful case studies, practical exercises, and guidance from seasoned thought leaders, you will gain the tools needed to make an enduring impact on your industry and your bottom line.

What you will gain:

• Techniques to shape and sharpen a distinctive thought leadership narrative

• Insight into selecting and leveraging the most effective digital channels to amplify your voice

• Proven methods for fostering engagement, trust, and loyalty among high-value audiences

• Strategies to measure the effectiveness of your thought leadership initiatives and demonstrate ROI

• Inspiration and guidance from industry exemplars who have successfully ascended from expert to authority

This event is ideal for B2B marketers, Communications Directors, Brand Strategists, Content Leads, and senior professionals seeking to elevate their influence. Reserve your place today and take a decisive step towards becoming the authoritative voice your industry respects and relies upon.

No agencies or freelancers pls.


From expert to authority: Advanced Strategies to Supercharge your B2B Thought Leadership

Influencer marketing has become a buzzword in the digital marketing world, and for good reason. With social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok dominating the online space, influencers have become an incredibly powerful force for brands looking to reach new audiences. But with so many influencers out there, it can be hard to know where to start or how to make the most of your influencer marketing campaigns.

That's why we're excited to share the insider tips we learned over the last few years at our Influencer Hack Event, where we came together and shared our secrets.

From finding the right influencers for your brand to creating killer content that resonates with their audiences, we'll be diving into everything you need to know to unleash the power of influencer marketing and take your brand to the next level. So sit back, grab a pen, and get ready to learn from the pros!

Please note this is for in-house marketers only.


Influencer Marketing Hacks - free training

Learning the art of crisis management in PR & Marketing: Join Our Webinar!

In our dynamic digital-first world, crises can arise suddenly and unexpectedly. How well-prepared is your team to navigate these turbulent waters?

Join our one-hour webinar, "Crisis Masterclass: Navigating the Challenges in PR & Marketing," tailored exclusively for in-house marketing professionals, and equip yourself with the skills and strategies needed to thrive in the face of adversity.

Why Crisis Management Matters:

In today's social media age, a seemingly innocuous issue - if not properly managed - can quickly spiral out of control, becoming a national or international crisis, capable of impacting share price.

As such, crisis management is not just something to be done reactivity; a proactive approach to safeguarding your brand's reputation is essential. In this masterclass, we'll delve into the art of crisis management, revealing its critical role in PR and marketing and how it can be leveraged as a powerful tool for brand protection, and even growth.

What to Expect:

This practical session takes the latest best practice thinking, to provide you with a deep understanding of crisis management in a digital age, equipping you with actionable insights to navigate even the most challenging situations. We will be covering:

*   Crisis 101: Gain a solid foundation by understanding the key principles of crisis management in PR and marketing.
*   The role of social media in fueling - or managing - a crisis
*   Case Studies: Explore real-world examples of both successful and not-so-successful crisis management strategies from some of the best known brands in the world, learning valuable lessons from industry leaders.
*   Effective Crisis Communication: Learn the art of clear, concise, and empathetic communication during a crisis, both internally and externally - plus the crucial role of social media in this process.
*   Building a Crisis-Resilient Team: Discover how to assemble and train a team that's ready to respond effectively in times of crisis.
*   Preparedness Planning: Explore proactive strategies for crisis preparedness and how to create a crisis management playbook.
*   Actionable Takeaways: Leave with practical, actionable steps to strengthen your crisis management skills and strategy.

Don't wait until a crisis strikes to discover the importance of effective crisis management. Join us for an hour of inspiration, knowledge, and actionable strategies that will empower you to navigate PR and marketing challenges with confidence and resilience. Your brand's reputation and success depend on it. Reserve your spot now, and we'll see you at the webinar!

N.B This event is only for in-house marketers and not for agencies or freelancers.


Crisis Masterclass: Navigating Challenges in PR & Marketing

Free 60-minute TikTok strategy that will supercharge your marketing

📣Are you an ambitious marketer, entrepreneur, or communications professional? Do you want to supercharge your marketing activity and win at TikTok?

🚀 This free session from specialist PR and social media agency, Prohibition, will help you cut through the noise and develop a clever and creative TikTok strategy – in the time it takes to eat your lunch.

Why give this your time?

*   \#1 Practical, actionable advice that will drive results in your day job immediately
*   \#2 Killer insight from 10 years+ of social media agency delivery that will enhance your marketing
*   \#3 The latest expert TikTok thinking from an agency at the cutting edge of social media
*   \#4 Thinking from the award-winning agency with 400 5\* Google reviews
*   \#5 Limited spaces online so sign up today

Why bother with TikTok?

TikTok is undoubtedly the social media success story of the past 24 months, growing to nearly 23m active users in the UK, making it the country’s third biggest social network. 🔥

However, as with any new channel, TikTok should not operate in a silo. True success on this exciting channel comes down to properly integrating its use with your wider marketing efforts, in turn delivering genuine campaign cut-through and ROI.

This is sadly where many marketers fall down. 😟

In this hugely practical session, we will use our years of expertise in delivering integrated comms to explore;

1.  The role of TikTok as part of an integrated comms approach
2.  Using TikTok to fuel your PR Outreach
3.  Integrating TikTok into influencer marketing efforts
4.  TikTok advertising strategies
5.  Delivering an integrated campaign using TikTok

The session will also recap the basics of the platform, including;

*   TikTok 101 – what does it do, and how to use it
*   Engagement hacks and pro tips to get started
*   How to measure success

Please note this event is not open to other agencies or consultants. We do provide paid training in this space if you are interested though. 🎥

Don’t take our word for it!

Check out our Google reviews:

Rachel McEntee said: *"Brilliant and insightful webinar -really well presented and broken down into manageable and achievable actions. Would recommend for anyone looking to refine their digital strategy or just polish their posts."*

Grace Hughes commented:\* "Really great webinars for Social Media professionals. Excellent knowledge from presenters with an answer to every question. Really professionally presented too."\*

Amanda Blair: *"Great presentation and useful information. These guys offer these online updates for free, but they are definitely at the forefront of one's mind for PR."*


How to integrate TikTok into your PR strategy

Free 60-minute LinkedIn strategy that will supercharge your marketing

📣Are you an ambitious marketer, entrepreneur, or communications professional? Do you want to supercharge your marketing activity and win at LinkedIn?

🚀 This free session from specialist PR and social media agency, Prohibition, will help you cut through the noise and develop a clever and creative LinkedIn strategy – in the time it takes to eat your lunch.

Why give this your time?

\#1 Practical, actionable advice that will drive results in your day job immediately

\#2 Killer insight from 10 years+ of social media agency delivery that will enhance your marketing

\#3 The latest expert LinkedIn thinking from an agency at the cutting edge of social media

\#4 Thinking from the award-winning agency with 400 5\* Google reviews

\#5 Limited spaces online so sign up today

Personal branding is nothing new, but the way in which subject matter experts – and everyone else in between – are leveraging social media to do this, is new. Get it right and it can drive tremendous benefits to not only the individual but the business they work for too. Get it wrong, however, and they can irritate, annoy and antagonize the very people they should be connecting with.

So, what are the business benefits of doing this, and what strategies should those in your team take in order to succeed in this highly competitive and nuanced space?

In this practical session aimed at both B2B and B2C markets, we explore;

*   How building your team’s personal brands can directly benefit your broader business objectives
*   The business case for both B2B and B2C brands to start this journey
*   Strategies to build your team’s online influence
*   The key role LinkedIn plays in this
*   How to map out a personal brand ‘strategy on a page’
*   Engagement hacks and pro tips to get started
*   How to measure success


Building your LinkedIn personal power brand - Masterclass

This event will be of great value to marketers and PR professionals who are keen to harness the power of AI in their work. In this session, we delve into advanced AI strategies and best practices, covering a wide range of topics, including:

1.  AI-Driven Media Monitoring: Learn how to effectively monitor media coverage and gain insights using AI tools.
2.  Predictive Analytics: Discover how AI can help you forecast PR trends and make data-driven decisions.
3.  AI-Powered Content Creation: Explore the possibilities of AI-generated content for press releases, blog posts, and more.
4.  Audience Segmentation: Understand how AI can aid in identifying and targeting specific audience segments for your PR campaigns.
5.  Measuring PR Impact: Explore the latest AI-driven metrics and KPIs for evaluating the success of your PR efforts.

Our expert speakers will share case studies, practical tips, and real-world examples of AI integration in PR, all aimed at helping you enhance your strategies and achieve remarkable results from your efforts.

If you're looking for more practical tips and hacks, sign up for our newly-announced 2025 events. We also have our [Embracing Marketing Mistakes podcast](https://www.embracingmarketingmistakes.co.uk/), a top 10 marketing podcast in the UK, where we interview the Chair of CIPR AI in PR panel about how to unleash AI in your marketing - alongside other industry experts.


Maximising Your PR Efforts with AI

Most marketers in the UK are now using social media marketing in some clever strategic capacity, whether it is corporate blogging, creative conversation campaigns or building brand ambassadors through a dedicated online community. However, how many of us know how to attribute a meaningful ROI on the activity we’re undertaking with our content and social?

There is now a pressing need to look beyond low-level reporting – such as ‘counting metrics’ towards sophisticated data and analytics that demonstrate genuine business value and the fundamental value that social media and content marketing can now bring.

Following the sold-out events earlier this year, this free event will tackle this important issue and give brand owners a clear understanding of exactly how they can prove the value from ever pound they spend on social media, including:

The main types of social media metric by platform

• What's tangible - the specific metrics that demonstrate value

• A bespoke approach: what metrics suit your brand

• ROR - return on relationship values

• How to integrate social media measurement into the rest of your metrics

• Case studies and best practice

How to drive clear business impact using social media

A look at how big brands use social media to deliver marketing and customer service impact, and the secrets behind their success

WHO WILL THIS BE RELEVANT FOR?

Our marketers events are specially designed for marketers responsible for social media, reference programs, online content or digital marketing and of course PR professionals – all will benefit from attending.

This event is only available to in-house marketing professionals and not for agencies, freelancers or students. Apologies for any inconvenience.

About Prohibition PR

Prohibition is listed in Prolific North’s Top 15 PR Agencies and is currently their PR Agency of the Year 2019 having also won a number of industry awards in 2019, 2018 and 2017 including Best Consumer Relations Campaign and Best Integrated Campaign 2019 and Best use of Social Media 2019.

This agile dynamic consultancy has been described by the CIPR as: “An agency with clear differentiation in their market sector. Its commitment to nurturing the industry's young talent is not just laudable, but also has a clear business goal as they seek to build a regional powerhouse.”About the event speaker: Chris Norton, Founder and Managing Director, Prohibition.

THE SPEAKER

Chris Norton, is the founder and managing director of the CIPR's Outstanding PR Consultancy 2019 Prohibition, and an award-winning crisis management practitioner with more than twenty years’ PR experience having worked both in-house and in a number of international consultancies.

Chris set up the UK’s first word-of-mouth marketing consultancy and the body that represented the industry, he is a regular winner of the “Best Use of Social Media” and "Best Integrated Campaign" awards. He is also a regular speaker on online communications and his Norton’s Notes blog is listed as the 7th most influential PR and social media blog in the UK.

In 2013, Chris co-authored the CIPR’s Social Media Handbook “Share This Too” which went on to become the fastest selling social media book on Amazon. He was a part-time lecturer on Digital Communications at Leeds Beckett University and also sat on the CIPR Committee as its social media coordinator. Chris has delivered social campaigns for clients such as: Sony Ericsson, Ronseal, Goldsmiths, Watches of Switzerland, Interflora, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Meadowhall, George Foreman, Russell Hobbs and Hallmark Cards.


How to demonstrate ROI from your PR and social - Masterclass!

Social media is changing fast and 2026 will be a tipping point. With AI shaping discovery, trust and engagement, the pressure on marketing leaders has never been greater. Visibility, reputation and ROI are all at stake.

This briefing is built for CMOs, Marketing Directors and senior comms professionals who need straight answers, not hype. In one focused session, you will cut through the noise and get clear, practical insight into where to focus your time, budget and attention in the year ahead.

You will leave with frameworks and strategies you can put into practice straight away to sharpen your brand’s visibility, protect reputation and prove marketing’s impact at board level.

#### What you will take away

*   **Visibility that lasts**: How to stay front of mind as search, social and AI-driven feeds reshape discovery.
*   **Reputation you can trust**: Practical ways to tackle misinformation, deepfakes and synthetic media without losing credibility.
*   **ROI that convinces**: Models that tie campaigns directly to commercial results, giving you the evidence to defend and grow budgets.

####

#### The big themes

*   **The AI feed**: Where TikTok, Meta, X, LinkedIn, Threads, Bluesky and others are heading and how to adapt.
*   **Trust and authenticity**: How to protect your brand when synthetic media blurs the lines.
*   **ROI in the age of AI**: Smarter reporting frameworks that resonate with leadership, plus practical ways to use AI without undermining credibility.

####

#### Why you should attend

This is not about trends for the sake of it. It is about getting ahead, avoiding costly mistakes and giving your brand the best chance to cut through in a crowded, AI-driven landscape.

If you are a senior marketer responsible for visibility, reputation or budgets, this is the session you cannot afford to miss.

This is for in-house marketing professionals only, no agencies or freelancers please.


Social Media Trends 2026: What Every Marketing Leader Needs to Know

AI-generated images, deepfake videos and fabricated influencer content are spreading faster than most brands can respond. One manipulated post can confuse customers, derail campaigns or damage trust overnight. This session gives marketing and comms leaders a practical hour on how to recognise emerging threats, assess the real risks to your brand and build a fast, confident response when misinformation hits.

Using real examples from consumer brands, visitor attractions, food and drink companies and education providers, we’ll show how misinformation flows, why it gains traction and the simple steps that help teams spot problems early. You’ll also see how small changes in workflow, governance and social listening make a big difference to how well you protect your brand when the pressure is on.

This session is for anyone responsible for brand reputation, campaign delivery, social content, influencer activity or crisis response, especially in sectors where customer trust can shift quickly.

**Why Attend?**

Sharpen Your Defences: Learn how to recognise AI-generated fakes, impersonation attempts and viral hoaxes before they spread.

Protect Brand Trust: Understand how misinformation erodes credibility and how to respond fast enough to limit reputational damage (as shown in the Asahi cases on pages 25–27).

Strengthen Your Crisis Response: Get a clear framework for the first 24 hours, built from real case studies where speed and clarity made all the difference (pages 54–76).

Stay Ahead of New Threats: See the latest trends in deepfakes, fake reviews, AI-generated influencers and scam promotions affecting consumer brands (pages 9–15).

Improve Team Readiness: Learn how to brief teams, align markets and build consistent messaging that holds under pressure.

**Who Should Attend?**

Marketing Directors

Communications Leads

PR and Reputation Managers

Brand and Social Media Managers

Digital and E-commerce Managers

This session is designed for in-house teams only.

Don’t wait until your brand is pulled into a crisis you didn’t create.

Reserve your place and learn how to protect your organisation in a world where misinformation travels faster than the truth.

Spaces are limited to keep the session focused and practical.
